NSP

QuIHN provides Needle & Syringe Programs in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.  Needle Syringe Programs (NSPs) are part of Australia ’s response to drug use under the philosophy of harm minimisation.
NSPs neither condemn nor condone drug use. They are a public health strategy that aims to reduce the harms associated with drug use for both the user and the wider community.  These include the spread of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis.  QuIHN’s NSPs provide the following services:

• Dispensing of sterile injecting equipment,including needles, syringes, swabs, disposal bins, butterflies, sterile water, wheel filters, dental dams, condoms and personal lubricant.
• Education and simulated demonstrations
• Brief interventions and Referrals
• Business outreach & needle sweeps
• Emergency relief in conjunction with the Hare Krishna’s and others
• Impromptu activities – art, music and forums

The Mixup Project

Wanna become a valued member in your community?

The Mix-Up Project is a peer-based education group that is primarily aimed at reducing the incidence of Hepatitis C and HiV/AIDS amongst current injecting drug users (IDUs).  Based on the harm minimisation philosophy, the group recognises that IDUs are experts in regard to experiencing the first-hand effects of drug use and in conveying information to peers in drug-using contexts.

People who attend the group become “peer educators” and then distribute the information to other peers.  The group is usually run over four sessions, and participants are expected to attend all four sessions to receive a certificate of completion and a cash incentive.

Come along and find out more about your rights, your health and the services that are available for you and your friends.
The Mix-Up Project is facilitated by Health, Welfare and Education Officers  (HWEs) based in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Cairns.  However, the RTCs travel on a regular basis to facilitate the group in the surrounding regions.  Contact the RTC closest to you for further information.

Support Groups

QuIHN facilitates a number of support groups and outreach activities throughout the year including:

• Regular support groups for people living with chronic hepatitis C on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. There are two Sunshine Coast groups – one in Maroochydore and one in Caboolture. Contact the NSP in your region to find out when the next one is happening.
• Picnics in the Park outreach event for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Brisbane.  Contact the Brisbane HWE to find out when the next one is happening.
• Events throughout the Queensland regions in conjunction with Hepatitis Council Queensland.  Contact the RTC in you region to find out when the next one is happening.

Refer to www.saferinjecting.net for more information about safer using.

QuIHN conducts special events each year for Hepatitis Awareness Week, Drug Action Week, Overdose Awareness Day and World AIDS Day, among others. Contact the NSP in your region to find out when the next one is happening.

QuIHN conducts special events each year for Hepatitis Awareness Week, Drug Action Week, Overdose Awareness Day and World AIDS Day, among others. Contact the NSP in your region to find out when the next one is happening.